News / National
Man survives vicious lion attack near Victoria Falls
6 hrs ago | Views
A 29-year-old man from the Woodlands Resettlement Area near Victoria Falls is lucky to be alive after surviving a savage lion attack over the weekend, in an incident that has reignited community fears over escalating human-wildlife conflict.
Metrod Tshuma was mauled on Saturday morning while responding to a commotion near the community's cattle grazing area. What started as a routine day quickly turned into a harrowing ordeal as he attempted to assist others in chasing away a lion that had strayed dangerously close to human settlements.
"I heard people shouting and dogs barking. I ran out and heard a lion roaring where our cattle graze, so I ran to meet my colleagues to try and scare it away," Tshuma told reporters from his hospital bed.
But before he could fully react, the lion pounced on him from behind.
"It went into a thicket close to where I was, with my colleagues behind me. The lion came from my back and attacked me," he said.
Tshuma suffered serious injuries, including the loss of a thumb and deep wounds to his head and hand. Despite the excruciating pain, he managed to push the lion away and fled to a nearby tree while crying out for help. His colleagues eventually rescued him and rushed him to Victoria Falls Hospital, where he remains under medical care.
"I thank the almighty God for protecting me because I was going to be killed by that lion," Tshuma said, visibly shaken.
Community members say the same lion had killed a neighbour's cow the previous day, and after attacking Tshuma, it reportedly went on to maul two donkeys. The increasing presence of lions in the area has stirred anxiety among residents, many of whom rely on livestock for their livelihoods.
"We are appealing to the authorities to help us. Some of these lions are collared. School children walk long distances to school, and they are in danger," said one community member.
This year alone, the Woodlands community has lost more than 50 cattle to wildlife, with lions, elephants, and hyenas frequently venturing into grazing and residential areas.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has not yet commented on the incident, but residents are calling for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of life and property.
Metrod Tshuma was mauled on Saturday morning while responding to a commotion near the community's cattle grazing area. What started as a routine day quickly turned into a harrowing ordeal as he attempted to assist others in chasing away a lion that had strayed dangerously close to human settlements.
"I heard people shouting and dogs barking. I ran out and heard a lion roaring where our cattle graze, so I ran to meet my colleagues to try and scare it away," Tshuma told reporters from his hospital bed.
But before he could fully react, the lion pounced on him from behind.
"It went into a thicket close to where I was, with my colleagues behind me. The lion came from my back and attacked me," he said.
"I thank the almighty God for protecting me because I was going to be killed by that lion," Tshuma said, visibly shaken.
Community members say the same lion had killed a neighbour's cow the previous day, and after attacking Tshuma, it reportedly went on to maul two donkeys. The increasing presence of lions in the area has stirred anxiety among residents, many of whom rely on livestock for their livelihoods.
"We are appealing to the authorities to help us. Some of these lions are collared. School children walk long distances to school, and they are in danger," said one community member.
This year alone, the Woodlands community has lost more than 50 cattle to wildlife, with lions, elephants, and hyenas frequently venturing into grazing and residential areas.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has not yet commented on the incident, but residents are calling for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of life and property.
Source - online
